U.S. patent application number 10/608417 was filed with the patent office on 2004-07-29 for device and method for identifying a package recipient.
Invention is credited to Stevens, John.
Application Number | 20040148295 10/608417 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32738016 |
Filed Date | 2004-07-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040148295 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Stevens, John |
July 29, 2004 |
Device and method for identifying a package recipient
Abstract
A method for identifying a package recipient includes delivering
a package to a recipient, and recording at least one of the
recipient's voice and the recipient's image. The recording may
analyzed (e.g., reproduced) to identify a package recipient.
Inventors: |
Stevens, John; (Toronto,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MCGINN & GIBB, PLLC
8321 OLD COURTHOUSE ROAD
SUITE 200
VIENNA
VA
22182-3817
US
|
Family ID: |
32738016 |
Appl. No.: |
10/608417 |
Filed: |
June 30, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60392263 |
Jul 1, 2002 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 ;
707/999.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07B 17/00733 20130101;
G07B 2017/00838 20130101; G07C 9/37 20200101 |
Class at
Publication: |
707/100 |
International
Class: |
G06F 017/00 |
Claims
What we claim is:
1. A method for identifying a package recipient, said method
comprising: delivering a package to a recipient; and recording at
least one of said recipient's voice and said recipient's image.
2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: reproducing
said recording in order to identify a package recipient.
3. The method according to claim 1, wherein said recipient's voice
is recorded in a digital audio file.
4. The method according to claim 3, wherein said digital audio file
comprises a digital audio file in a file format for storing
waveform data.
5. The method according to claim 1, wherein said recipient's image
is recorded in a digital image file.
6. The method according to claim 5, wherein said digital image file
comprises one of a JPEG file, MPEG file, PDF file and TIFF
file.
7. The method according to claim 1, wherein said image comprises
one of a still image and a video image.
8. A method for identifying a package recipient, said method
comprising: generating a digital identification signal for said
recipient using an identification pickup device; inputting delivery
data; and storing said identification signal and said delivery
data.
9. A device for identifying a package recipient, said device
comprising: an identification pickup device for generating a
digital identification signal for said recipient; an input device
for inputting delivery data; and a memory device for storing said
identification signal and said delivery data.
10. The device according to claim 9, wherein said identification
pickup device and said input device comprise the same device.
11. The device according to claim 9, wherein said identification
pickup device comprises one of an audio pickup device and an image
pickup device.
12. The device according to claim 9, wherein said digital
identification signal comprises one of a digital voice signal and a
digital image signal.
13. The device according to claim 9, wherein said identification
pickup device comprises a microphone and said digital
identification signal comprises a digital audio signal.
14. The device according to claim 9, wherein said identification
pickup device comprises an image pickup device and said digital
identification signal comprises a digital image signal.
15. The device according to claim 9, further comprising: a user
switch for selectively activating or deactivating said
identification pickup device.
16. The device according to claim 9, further comprising: a display
device for displaying a representation of said digital
identification signal.
17. The device according to claim 9, further comprising: a
processor for processing data and instructions; and a transceiver
for wirelessly communicating said digital identification signal to
a remote database.
18. The device according to claim 9, wherein said input device
comprises an alphanumeric keypad.
19. The method according to claim 1, wherein said identifying a
package recipient and providing proof of delivery is performed in
real time.
20. A programmable storage medium tangibly embodying a program of
machine-readable instructions executable by a digital processing
apparatus to perform a method for identifying a package recipient,
said method comprising: generating a digital identification signal
for said recipient using an identification pickup device; inputting
delivery data; and storing said identification signal and said
delivery data.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This Application claims priority from U. S. Provisional
Application No. 60/392,263, METHOD AND DEVICE FOR IDENTIFYING A
PACKAGE RECIPIENT, which was filed on Jul. 1, 2002, assigned to the
present assignee, and is incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to a device and method for
identifying a package (e.g., courier package) recipient, and more
particularly, to a method and device for identifying a courier
package recipient which may provide proof of delivery and which may
utilize an electronic (e.g., voice and/or image) recording.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Conventional package delivery methods require the delivery
person to transport the package to the destination, confirm the
correct identity of the recipient, and have the recipient sign a
form (e.g., electronic signature line) to verify that the recipient
has received the package. Alternatively, the delivery person may
punch the recipient's name and time of delivery on a keypad to
verify delivery.
[0006] However, such conventional systems are subject to many
errors. For example, the handwriting of the recipient is often
illegible. Further, keypad-entered names are often subject to
typographical errors so that such delivery information is often
incomplete or inaccurate.
[0007] Further, such methods are incapable of providing a secure
package delivery. For example, suppose a courier using such
conventional methods is tasked with delivering a package containing
a passport from the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) to
the home of "John Smith". When the courier arrives at the home, the
courier will likely ask for "John Smith" and present the package to
anyone who responds in the affirmative. The courier will then ask
that the person accepting the package to sign a sheet to provide
proof of delivery.
[0008] Therefore, it would be easy for a person other than "John
Smith" (i.e., an improper recipient) to accept an take possession
of such important delivery items. Moreover, even if it is later
determined that the person who accepted the package was an improper
recipient (e.g., a thief), the only way of identifying the improper
recipient is based the memory of the delivery person. Since
delivery persons may make dozens of deliveries in a single day, it
is unlikely that the delivery person will remember the face, voice,
build, clothes or any other characteristic of the improper
recipient that would help to identify and capture the recipient. As
a result, there is little chance that such an improper recipient
will ever be caught and the package recovered, which results in
little disincentive to attempt to improperly (e.g., fraudulently)
take possession of a package from a delivery service.
[0009] Therefore, such conventional methods of delivering packages
involve little security and are, therefore, especially
inappropriate for packages requiring at least some degree of
security, such as sensitive documents, legal documents, checks or
other valuable items.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] In view of the foregoing and other problems, disadvantages,
and drawbacks of the conventional methods and structures, a purpose
of the present invention is to provide a device and method for
identifying a package recipient which may provide proof of delivery
and which may utilize an electronic (e.g., voice and or image)
recording.
[0011] The present invention includes an inventive method for
identifying a package recipient. The inventive method includes
delivering a package to a recipient, and recording at least one of
said recipient's voice and said recipient's image. The method may
further include analyzing the recorded identification data (e.g.,
reproducing and comparing the recording) in order to identify a
package recipient and/or provide proof of delivery. For example,
identifying a package recipient and providing proof of delivery may
be performed in real time.
[0012] For example, the recipient's voice may be recorded in a
digital audio file such as a WAV file. Further, the recipient's
image may be recorded in a digital image file (e.g., a JPEG file,
MPEG file, PDF file and TIFF file). Further, the image may include
a still image and/or a video image.
[0013] The inventive method may use, for example, a handheld device
and include delivering a package to said recipient, picking up at
least one of a recipient voice and a recipient image using the
handheld device, the at least one of said recipient voice and the
recipient image being transduced into an electrical identification
signal using the handheld device, inputting at least one of
delivery data and recipient data into the handheld device; and
storing at least one the delivery data, the recipient data and the
electrical identification signal in the handheld device.
[0014] Another aspect of the present invention includes a method
for identifying a package recipient which includes generating a
digital identification signal for the recipient using an
identification pickup device, inputting delivery data; and storing
the identification signal and the delivery data.
[0015] Another aspect of the present invention includes a device
for identifying a package recipient. The device includes an
identification pickup device (e.g., an audio pickup device and/or
an image pickup device) for generating a digital identification
signal for the recipient, an input device for inputting delivery
data, and a memory device for storing the identification signal and
the delivery data.
[0016] Further, the identification pickup device and the input
device may include the same device. In addition, the digital
identification signal may include one of a digital voice signal and
a digital image signal.
[0017] More specifically, the identification pickup device may
include a microphone and the digital identification signal may
include a digital audio signal. In addition, the identification
pickup device may include an image pickup device and the digital
identification signal may include a digital image signal.
[0018] The inventive device may also include a user switch for
activating and deactivating the identification pickup device. The
inventive device may also include a display device for displaying a
representation of the digital identification signal. The inventive
device may also include a processor for processing data and
instructions, and a transceiver for wirelessly communicating data
(e.g., the digital identification signal) to a remote database.
[0019] Further, the input device may include an alphanumeric
keypad. The device may also include a signature pickup device for
picking up a recipient's signature and transducing the signature
into an electronic signature signal. In this case, the memory
device may also store the electronic signature signal.
[0020] In addition, the present invention includes a programmable
storage medium tangibly embodying a program of machine-readable
instructions executable by a digital processing apparatus to
perform the inventive method.
[0021] With its unique and novel aspects, the present invention
provides a method and device for identifying a courier package
recipient and verifying delivery which may utilize an electronic
(e.g., voice and/or image) recording. Specifically, the present
invention provide a more reliable way of identifying a package
recipient and/or providing proof of delivery.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] The foregoing and other purposes, aspects and advantages
will be better understood from the following detailed description
of embodiments of the invention with reference to the drawings, in
which:
[0023] FIG. 1 is a flow chart illustrating an inventive method 100
for identifying a package recipient according to an exemplary
aspect of the present invention;
[0024] FIGS. 2A-2C illustrate an inventive device 200 for
identifying a package recipient, including a voice recording device
(e.g., a microphone), according to an exemplary aspect of the
present invention;
[0025] FIGS. 3A-3H illustrate an inventive device 200 for
identifying a package recipient, including an image recording
device (e.g., camera), according to an exemplary aspect of the
present invention; and
[0026] FIG. 4 provides a detailed illustration of an inventive
device 200 according to an exemplary aspect of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS OF THE
INVENTION
[0027] Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 is a flow chart
illustrating an inventive method 100 for identifying a package
(e.g., courier package) recipient and/or providing proof of
delivery (POD) according to the present invention.
[0028] As shown in FIG. 1, the inventive method 100 includes
delivering (110) a package to a recipient, and recording (120) the
recipient's voice and/or the recipient's image (e.g., a visual
image). The inventive method 100 may also include, for example,
reproducing the recording to identify the package recipient and/or
provide proof of delivery (POD).
[0029] In general, the inventive method 100 may record a
recipient's voice or image (e.g., still or moving (e.g., video)
image). Thus, the inventive method 100 may confirm proof of
delivery for the courier, the sender and the addressee/recipient.
Further, the inventive method 100 may identify the person who
accepts the delivery of a package, without relying on potentially
illegible handwriting signatures, or keypad-entered names (as found
in conventional courier handheld devices which are used, for
example, by couriers such as UPS, Federal Express, Purolator).
[0030] More specifically, the inventive method may include, for
example, recording the recipient's voice on the memory of the
courier/delivery personnel's handheld electronic device. For
example, the recipient's voice may be stored in the form of an
electronic (e.g., digital) voice file.
[0031] Additionally, the receiving party's voice can be analyzed
(spectral analysis) and a digital voice-print can be made. This
information can then be stored and downloaded to the Courier truck
computer, directly to the courier's network via wireless
application protocol (WAP) modem, or to the recipient, either by
email or on the Courier's Website.
[0032] Specifically, the voice can be stored in a digital audio
file in a file format for storing digital audio (waveform) data
(e.g., a WAV file). If Proof of Delivery (POD) information is
required, the shipper or addressee can request the digital audio
file of the person who accepted delivery to track who accepted
"signed for it". Therefore, the sender may almost immediately be
able to verify that the intended recipient received the sender's
package.
[0033] In addition to the voice recording, or alternatively
thereto, the inventive method 100 may include recording the
recipient's visual image. In other words, either separately or in
combination with capturing the recipient's Audio WAV file, the
inventive method 100 may obtain a still image photograph or moving
video image (e.g., a digital image) of the recipient. The image
(e.g., still image or video) file may be compressed or
non-compressed and may be recorded in any one or more of numerous
formats including, for example, JPEG, MPEG, PDF or TIFF format.
[0034] Further, the image file can be used in the same way as the
audio file described previously to create a verifiable proof of
delivery to the photographed recipient. The sender could request
photo confirmation for Proof of Delivery (POD). Like the voice
recording, the image recording may be used instead of or in
combination with a hand written signature or an audio file.
[0035] For example, in one aspect, the inventive method 100 may
include delivering a package to the recipient, picking up at least
one of a recipient voice and a recipient image using a handheld
device, the recipient voice and/or recipient image being transduced
into an electrical identification signal using the handheld device,
inputting at least one of delivery data and recipient data into the
handheld device, and storing at least one the delivery data,
recipient data, and electrical identification signal in the
handheld device.
[0036] Specifically, the courier delivery person's handheld device
could include a digital camera (e.g., still photo or video camera),
to record a photograph (e.g., video) of the recipient, and save it
in the handheld device's memory as a JPEG, MPEG, PDF or TIFF file
or other image storage format. Further, the inventive method 100
may incorporate the features and functions of the delivery method
disclosed, for example, in PCT Application No. PCT/US02/13903,
"Delivery System and Method Using Electronic Tags" of John Stevens,
et al., filed on May 3, 2002, assigned to the present assignee and
incorporated by reference herein.
[0037] Referring again to the drawings, FIGS. 2A-2C and FIGS. 3A-3H
illustrate an inventive device 200 (e.g., a handheld device) that
may be used to identify a courier package recipient and verify
delivery according to the present invention. The inventive device
includes an identification pickup device 210, 220.
[0038] Specifically, FIGS. 2A-2C illustrate a device 200 which
includes an audio pickup device 210 such as a microphone. FIGS.
3A-3H illustrate a device 200 which includes an image pickup device
220 such as a charge coupled device (CCD). It should be understood
that the device may include both an audio pickup device 210 and an
image pickup device 220. Moreover, the characteristics (e.g.,
location, size, etc.) of the audio pickup device 210 and the image
pickup device 220 illustrated herein should not be considered
limiting. For example, these devices 210, 220 may have any size and
may be located at practically any location on the device 200.
[0039] Specifically, the audio pickup device may include a
microphone and the digital identification signal may include a
digital audio signal. Further, the identification pickup device may
include an image pickup device and the digital identification
signal may include a digital image signal.
[0040] Further, the device 200 may record the digital
identification signal or may wirelessly transmit the signal so that
it is remote recorded. Thus, for example, the device 200 may
include an audio recorder for recording the audio signal, and/or
the CCD may be a part of a digital (e.g., still image or video)
camera included in the device 200 for recording the image
signal.
[0041] Referring again to FIGS. 2A-2C and FIGS. 3A-3H, in an
exemplary embodiment, the inventive device includes a microphone
210 for picking up a recipient voice and transducing said recipient
voice into an electrical voice signal, and/or an image pickup
device 220 (e.g., a camera) for picking up a recipient image and
transducing said image into an electrical image signal.
[0042] The device 200 also includes an input device 230 (e.g.,
keypad) for inputting delivery data (e.g., and recipient data) into
said device. Further, the identification pickup device and the
input device may include the same device. That is, the courier may
use the identification pickup device to pickup the recipient's
identification, and also to input the delivery data. Thus, for
example, the courier may input the delivery data into the device by
simply speaking into the device. Thus, the delivery data may be
input in the same manner as the recipient's identification.
[0043] Further, the device 200 includes a memory device (e.g.,
contained within the housing of the device 200) for storing the
identification signal in the form of identification data. The
memory device may also store the delivery data (e.g., and recipient
data). The handheld device 200 may also include a barcode reader
250 and a display panel 260 (e.g., LED display panel).
[0044] Further, as shown, for example, in FIG. 2C, the handheld
device 200 may also include a fastening device 270 which allows the
device 200 to be easily fastened (e.g., removably fastened) to a
belt of the delivery person. The device 200 may also include a port
280 to facilitate the uploading or downloading of information
(e.g., data, instructions, etc.) to and from the device. For
example, after making deliveries, the device 200 may be set into a
cradle-type device having an interface for engaging the port 280
for allowing the easy transfer of information to and from the
device.
[0045] Further, the inventive device 200 may be used as a
multi-functional device which is used by a courier, for example,
for recording, manipulating and displaying data (e.g., delivery
information). For example, the inventive device 200 may incorporate
the features and functions of an electronic tag (e.g., electronic
module) or access card which are disclosed in PCT Application No.
PCT/US02/13903 "Delivery System and Method Using Electronic
Tags".
[0046] For instance, the inventive device 200 may also be used to
open a drop box so that the delivery person can make an unattended
delivery to a destination address. Further, the handheld device 200
may be used to remove a package that has been delivered to the drop
box.
[0047] More specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, like the electronic
tag (e.g., electronic module) and access card, the device 200 may
include a processor 425 (e.g., a fixed programmed multi-bit
microprocessor such as a four-bit processor), a memory device 430
(e.g., read only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), etc.)
and a power source 435 (e.g., a battery, lithium battery, etc.).
The handheld device 200 may also include an activating device 455
(e.g., button) for activating any one or more of the functions of
the handheld device 200.
[0048] The handheld device 200 may also include a transceiver 440
(e.g., a transmitter/ receiver, custom two-way communication analog
chip, etc.) and an antenna 445 (e.g., two ferrite antennas) to
transmit and receive data over a short range link. The power source
(e.g., battery) preferably has a long service life (e.g., over five
years) for performing many (e.g., several thousand) transactions.
Further, the handheld device 200 may optionally include a signaling
device 450 (e.g., light-emitting device (e.g., one or two light
emitting diodes (LEDs)) or an audible signaling device).
[0049] For instance, similar to the electronic tag disclosed in PCT
Application No. PCT/US02/13903, "Delivery System and Method Using
Electronic Tags". Furthermore, the drop box and the handheld device
200 may be programmable so that the owner can selectively change
the identification number which unlocks the drop box.
[0050] The handheld device 200 may also be interrogated to harvest
data such as the recipient identification data, package delivery
time, date and location. In addition, the handheld device 200 may
be used to automatically cause an electronic mail message including
such harvested data (e.g., recipient identification data, delivery
data, etc.) to be transmitted, for example, to the sender (and/or
the receiver) of the package. The handheld device 200 may then be
set aside for reuse.
[0051] In short, as shown in FIGS. 2A-2C and 3A-3H, the inventors
have developed a Handheld Courier Device (commonly referred to as
an "eBox Handheld"). The handheld device may include, for example,
a keypad (e.g., numeric or alphanumeric) and some function keys, a
barcode scanner (e.g., barcode reader), a display (e.g., liquid
crystal display (LCD)), identification pickup device (e.g.,
microphone and/or camera), microprocessor and memory for storing
digital audio and/or image files.
[0052] The inventive device 200 may also include a data port or
Infra red (IR) data transfer port for transferring data (e.g.,
delivery data, identification data, etc.) to and from the handheld
device 200. In addition to storing the package recipient's voice
and bar code information., the handheld can store other
conventional information. For example, the device may store the
delivery person's name, shipping and delivery date, address
information, shipper information, waybill and tracking numbers),
customs and broker information.
[0053] In addition to the package recipient's voice, the handheld
device 200 may also be used in unattended deliveries to an
unattended delivery lockbox (e.g., drop box), such as those
manufactured and developed by eBox Inc. Such a drop box is
described, for example, in PCT Application No. PCT/US02/13903
"Delivery System and Method Using Electronic Tags".
[0054] Accordingly, the inventive device 200 (e.g., a handheld
device) could include functionality to allow it to harvest data
from an eBox unattended drop box. (e.g., time opened, time locked,
identity of person accessing box (e.g., who's access card opened
drop box), personal identity number (PIN) of the person (e.g.,
identification using access device with numeric keypad), date,
delivery time, and package information such as barcode, package
tracking number, waybill number, etc.).
[0055] A key protection issue involves protecting the hardware, and
the concept of online WAV file with ID graph, Fast Fourier
Transform (FFT) Algorithm or other spectrum hash of voice print
online. This is a very low cost approach to making handheld
terminals compared to conventional handheld terminal devices used
today in the Courier industry (e.g., FedEx, UPS, Purolator).
[0056] The inventive device 200 incorporates an audio ID or voice
file as the next undeniable Proof of Delivery. Further, the voice
file may be cross-referenced to the package's convention delivery
information (waybill, tracking number, addressee, sender,) to
confirm proof of delivery.
[0057] Specifically, the concept of the inventive device 200 may
involve, for example, an audio WAV file as ID for deliveries. This
functionality is more user-friendly and provides greater more
specific information than relying, for example, on the Courier to
accurately type the recipient's name on the handheld device 200 (as
is done on prior art devices) or relying on the consistency and
legibility of the recipient's signature on the signature screen as
is done on conventional devices.
[0058] Further, audio ID is even better than current prior art
methods using writeable screens (e.g., liquid crystal display (LCD)
screens). Such methods are currently used by companies such as
FedEx, UPS, Purolator and Canada Post to identify package
recipients.
[0059] One serious problem with such conventional methods and
devices is that they are unreliable. For instance, some delivery
personnel type it in and some do not, or fail to type it in
accurately and make typing or spelling mistakes. Further,
signatures may not be recorded properly on the LCD, or may not be
consistent (e.g., a person may sign differently each time he signs
for a package), or may just be undecipherable or illegible.
Moreover, such conventional methods are unable to provide for a
secure delivery, such as may be needed with more sensitive or
confidential packages or documentation.
[0060] With the inventive device 200 and method 100, on the other
hand, the problems of the conventional systems may be eliminated.
For example, the inventive device 200 may be used to make a secure
delivery, such as may be needed with more sensitive or confidential
packages or documentation. For instance, the digital identification
signal (e.g., the digital identification data such as audio or
video data) can be used almost instantly by the sender to verify
that the recipient is the proper recipient. Moreover, since the
recipient knows that his image or voice can be analyzed with the
inventive device 200, a thief is less likely to attempt to steal a
package or documentation meant for another recipient.
[0061] Thus, using the inventive device 200 a delivery person can
quickly and easily make a delivery and provide identification
information for the recipient and proof of delivery. For example,
the delivery person (e.g., delivery driver) may carry an in-truck
signature sheet. Such signature sheets customarily include, for
example, barcodes on one side, two boxes (one box for a signature,
and one box for the printed name). There may be 20 entries per page
and each page may include 2 Barcodes (2 and 3) with "SIG45 67899"
SIG indicates this is a signature code, 45 is driver code and 67899
is a serial number.
[0062] For example, using the inventive device 200 the delivery
person may scan a package barcode so that the SAC LCD may read "get
signature". Further, the recipient of the package prints and signs
name on next empty spot on sheet. The driver may, thus, scan
signature ID barcode to right of printed name and signature (e.g.,
the handheld device may display instructions to delivery person to
tell him what to do).
[0063] Alternatively, instead of inputting data using a barcode
scanner or alphanumeric keypad, the delivery person may also use
the identification pickup device to input such information. That
is, the delivery person may speak into a microphone on the handheld
device to input information such as the date, time and location of
the package.
[0064] Further, unlike conventional systems, with the inventive
device 200, the delivery person may record the recipient's voice,
for example, on an audio file. For instance, the delivery person
may ask the recipient to state his or her name, location/address,
date, time, and employer. For example, the recipient may state "my
name is John Smith, I work for Acme Corp., I am receiving this
package in the mailroom at 234 York Street." Therefore, the
recipient's statement may be recorded, for example, as an audio
file recorded in the memory of the handheld device 200.
[0065] At the end of workday, the data from the handheld device may
be dumped into the courier's computer system. This may be
accomplished quickly and easily using scans (e.g., by infrared (IR)
data transfer or by cradle with hard-wire connection) or
wirelessly.
[0066] Further, the signature pages may be faxed to the courier's
network (or alternatively digitally scanned and sent to the
courier's network). Thus, the scanned images of the recipient's
signature and the recipient's printed name may be extracted for a
delivered package, and transferred (e.g., via Local Access Network
(LAN) line, the Internet, or wireless link) to a database
maintained, for example, by the courier (e.g., the courier company
or delivery company). For example, the information may be
transferred to a database accessible by a server servicing the
courier's web site. Therefore, the package sender may go the
courier company's website and quickly and easily confirm that the
package to delivered to the proper recipient.
[0067] The recipient's identification data (e.g., audio file) may
go into same database as a WAV file. The database of such
identification data is accessible online. However, the database is
secure so that it may only be accessible, for example, by customers
and customer support. For example, a security code may be required
to access the identification database.
[0068] As one additional optional feature, the recipient's
identification information (e.g., audio file) can be analyzed using
a mathematical processing method, such as the Fourier spectrum.
This information can be accessible next to a WAV (wave) file, and
can be used to create a voice print to verify that the recipient
"Voice ID signature" is real and correct. That is, the information
can be analyzed to confirm that the package recipient was the
intended recipient.
[0069] More specifically, an authorized person (e.g., customer, or
customer service) can click online to the Courier's website, click
the button "Track package" and see a list of important and valuable
information after entering some package information. Such
information may include, for example, the tracking number, package
ID, time, date, addresses of sender and recipient, shipping route,
printed images of signature, and signature image.
[0070] Moreover, the sender may be able to access the recipient's
identification data. For example, the sender may access the WAV
file which contains the statement of the recipient and which was
recorded by the delivery person. Therefore, the recipient may
listen to the recipient's statement (e.g., "my name is John Smith,
I work for Acme Corp., I am receiving this package in the Mailroom
and 234 York Street"). The recipient may also access the WAV ID
(e.g., a bar graph with maybe 20 bars of a Fourier Transform
processing of the WAV file (or some other analytical
characterization of the WAV file). Thus, the recipient may compare
the WAV ID with a standard (e.g., a WAV ID which was recorded
during a previous delivery to the subject recipient) in order to
confirm the identification of the recipient.
[0071] In addition, with the present invention, the sender may even
request "real time" identification of recipient and proof of
delivery. In other words, the delivery person may deliver the
package to the recipient's address and then record the recipient's
voice or image which may be wirelessly transmitted to the courier's
computer system (e.g., database). The sender may access the
database (e.g., via the courier's website on the Internet) and
download the voice or image recording to verify that the recipient
is or is not proper. Further, the sender could input a "go/no go"
response to the delivery person (e.g., via the courier's website)
to direct the delivery person in real time as to whether the
recipient is or is not a proper recipient.
[0072] Therefore, the inventive device 200 has many advantages over
conventional devices. For instance, with the inventive device 200,
there is no need to waste a delivery person's time typing in names
etc. In addition, recipients will be extra vigilant when receiving
packages. In other words, the inventive device 200 will promote
higher mailroom reliability and ownership of received packages. In
addition, the voice and/or image recording (e.g., WAV file or JPEG,
MPEG, PDF, or TIFF file) can be reproduced and compared with
historical samples in database to show that the proper recipient
(e.g., the same person) received the package.
[0073] Further, the present invention may also include a
programmable storage medium tangibly embodying a program of
machine-readable instructions executable by a digital processing
apparatus to perform the inventive method.
[0074] Further, it should be noted that the present invention is
not limited to deliveries but may be used in any circumstance where
the identification of a package recipient is involved. For example,
the invention may be used when a person walks into a courier's
building to pickup a package. Further, the inventive device does
not have to be a handheld device or a portable device but may
include a device which is located at the courier's building for use
when a customer comes to pickup a package.
[0075] With its unique and novel aspects, the present invention
provides a method and device for identifying a courier package
recipient and verifying delivery which may utilize an electronic
(e.g., voice and/or image) recording. Specifically, the present
invention provide a more reliable way of identifying a package
recipient and/or providing proof of delivery.
[0076] While preferred embodiments of the present invention has
been described above, it should be understood that the embodiments
have been provided as examples only. Thus, those skilled in the art
will recognize that the invention can be practiced with
modification within the spirit and scope of the appended
claims.
[0077] It should be noted that the term "package" should be
interpreted to mean letter, document, box, bag or any other item
which may be delivered to a person.
[0078] Further, Applicant's intent is to encompass the equivalents
of all claim elements, and no amendment to any claim in the present
application should be construed as a disclaimer of any interest in
or right to an equivalent of any element or feature of the amended
claim.
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